About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.

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Encouragement for Today - May 15, 2009

”…so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”

Romans 12:5-6a (NIV)

Devotion:

So I said to God, “Absolutely not. Is there a plan B?”

That was my answer to God many years ago, when I heard Him impress upon my heart, quite loudly I might add, that He was calling me to speak and write.Until that divine moment, I had never desired to serve in those capacities.Although I served in other areas within my church, I wasn’t ready to serve in such a way that would cause me to take risks, make sacrifices, and put my heart on the line for all to see.

Do you remember as a child, when the teacher asked “Who wants to clean the board,” or, “Who wants to be the line leader?”All the kids would jump up and raise their hands, while yelling out in unison, “Me! Me! Pick me! Pick me!”Then the teacher would carefully choose someone, and the chosen child would beam with pride as they quickly assumed and carried out their role with great enthusiasm.

I imagine that God wishes we would be a little more like school children at times. As a child, when given a possible opportunity to lead in any capacity, we didn’t stop to think how long the act of service would last. We didn’t care so much what would be required of us … would it cost us anything, or if there might be something else that we would rather do.

As adults, we tend to over-analyze everything and as a result, we find ourselves procrastinating, which causes our desire to serve to wane.When God called me to be a speaker and writer, I wasted several years trying to pretend that I did not really understand God correctly, or hoping that He would have sympathy for my fears and hesitations and give me an easier task.Oh, how He would have been so pleased if instead I had responded with, “Pick me Lord! Yes, pick me!”

When God calls us into service, often the timeliness of our response is a measure of our faith.Procrastination is a sign that we are not trusting that God will lead the way and guide our paths. Procrastination leads to confusion and indecision, giving the enemy an opportunity to work at convincing us that we are unworthy, unqualified and incapable of carrying out God’s will. As a result, we become paralyzed with fear, doubts and insecurities.

Stepping out in faith requires us to fully rely on God, and not on our own assessments of our abilities. Philippians 4:13 reads “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Do you believe it? Is God is calling you to a task that is beyond what you think you are capable of; one that may require you to make sacrifices and choose God’s plans over your own? Are you willing to say, “Pick me!” and then depend on His strength and sovereignty to carry out His will?

Dear Lord, give me ears to hear Your voice and to know when You are calling me to serve.Help me to put my faith in You, and not in my own abilities.Fill me with a desire to serve in whatever way You have ordained for my life, and bless me with the opportunity to use the spiritual gifts that You have equipped me with.Help me to have confidence to move forward in faith because of who You are, not because of who I am.Pick me Lord!In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

About Encouragement for Today

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazine, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups. We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.